Meet the Fellows.

Worked with teammates to highlight how athletes often face mental health challenges that go unnoticed — breaking the stigma around mental health in sports and creating a safe, supportive space for participants to open up.

"I've grown both in my mental health education and as a sort of leader. The program gave me the opportunity to create something open within my community that addressed mental health in a way that felt authentic to me—through sports and team community."

Created decorative boxes filled with calming objects and affirming messages — distributed to young children at local schools and hospitals to build courage, encourage asking for help, and find positivity in hard times.

"As a mental health warrior, I will use my new knowledge to advocate and give understanding to others. One of my biggest takeaways is that you don't turn your back to someone when you can't understand them."

Used design, branding and fine art as a way to spark conversation and destigmatize mental health issues.

"I enjoyed Jared's Fund. I liked learning about the field of mental health and the various roles I could fulfill to better the lives of those around me."

Co-created educational materials for young students and parents focused on the importance of communication, sharing emotions, and building positive mental health habits.

"I love the opportunities that the fellowship program opened for myself and others going forward. It gives young people the ability to get more first hand information about mental illness and an amazing support system of people to try and brainstorm a way to end stigma. I can't put into words how grateful I am to have been selected to be a part of this fellowship and work with and around such amazing people."

Co-created educational materials for young students and parents focused on the importance of communication, sharing emotions, and building positive mental health habits.

"Jared's Fund Youth Fellowship is an amazing and inspiring program started for one of the best causes that there is; there is so much work that is being done and still needs to be done on the topic of mental health."

Created a website for parents and youth featuring accurate, accessible, and local mental health resources — curated throughout the Summer Fellowship in partnership with a licensed therapist mentor.

"Seeing how much community plays a role in long term wellness, going forward, I want to be able to foster similar community wherever I end up, giving myself and others a space to feel welcomed and understood. Thank you all so much for doing this great work! These six weeks have been amazing, and I can't wait to see the future of this fellowship."

Worked to renovate Jared's Garden at MHS with new plant life and a rock garden — revitalizing the space as a place for reflection and calm that students can genuinely appreciate and use.

"The fight for mental health awareness can happen on any front–lawyers, hairdressers, filmmakers, none of these are ways a person would typically imagine to be jobs of a 'Mental Health Warrior'. I think it's amazing. I'll be taking a more traditional route, most likely as a therapist or psychiatrist. But it's just incredible to me."

Worked to renovate Jared's Garden at MHS with new plant life and a rock garden — revitalizing the space as a place for reflection and calm that students can genuinely appreciate and use.

"Jared's Fund inspired me to want to continuously improve and better my community. I was especially grateful for the opportunity it gave to help improve the lives of many youth struggling with mental illness."

Created art-based craft boxes for MHS's Zen Room in the counselor offices — each box containing an instruction manual and simple craft materials, giving students a hands-on outlet for anxiety and mental health challenges during the school day.

"Jared's Fund is an amazing opportunity that offers a truly unique experience. I've learned throughout this experience that to destigmatize mental health, it is crucial to openly talk about mental health struggles."

Organized a basketball shoot-a-thon to bring MHS boys together — creating space for speakers to address the importance of boys' and men's mental health.

"I learned that talking about mental health helps more than staying silent and that many mental illnesses are hereditary."

Offered free yoga classes to MHS administration and the football team during preseason, with the goal of expanding to an eight-week program for all MHS students — using yoga to build concentration, attention regulation, and stress awareness.

"I was really honored to create and realize a project for Jared's Fund. Mental health advocacy is a lifelong project! There are lots of ways to get involved with mental health advocacy no matter what is going on in my life at any given moment. I will keep this in mind as I continue to be an advocate for mental health awareness in my communities."

Researched barriers immigrant youth face in accessing mental health resources and developed informative materials listing local centers that serve immigrant children — bridging the gap between seeking help and having adequate access.

"My experience with JFYF was genuinely formative. My project helped me connect with a new part of myself and with other immigrant youth whose stories mirrored my own. It showed me how to bridge passion with real impact and I still reference the experience today in college, where it continues to shape my interest in ESG consulting."

Co-created a support group and zine for queer youth in and around Montclair — producing written word, visual art, and design to create an outlet for trans teens, build community, and share their collective work with others.

"The past six weeks have deeply reaffirmed and deepened my belief in the importance of peer support and care. A number of our speakers, and especially the trip to Fountain House, showed me just how much community care matters. I have believed in these ideals in the abstract, but getting to see them actually happening and how much of a difference they make was amazing."

Co-created a support group and zine for queer youth in and around Montclair — producing written word, visual art, and design to create an outlet for trans teens, build community, and share their collective work with others.

"I've learned a lot about the disparities in access to mental health resources, the different experiences with mental health and how people deal with it differently. Also, I've been inspired to pursue helping others in my future career. It has been an incredible experience and I'm so glad I applied. Thank you!"

Co-created informative brochures for all MHS counselor offices addressing the mental health challenges faced by POC and LGBTQ+ youth — providing accessible resources that recognize intersectional experiences, available to all students with no questions asked.

"The Jared's Fund Youth Fellowship was a really unique and good experience for me. I learned a lot about myself and mental health in general. It is important to speak up and share valuable [mental health] information with members of my community. Going forward, I will continue to spread awareness and make sure that I take care of my own mental health and be there for others who may be struggling."

Created pocket-sized calmness cards with mental health awareness quotes and resource info, distributed to teachers for inclusion in syllabi — and designed anti-stigma posters hung throughout MHS buildings to reach every student.

"I hope that more people can realize that mental health is a serious topic that people need to talk about more. As a mental health warrior, I will make myself available to anyone who wants to talk about mental health; share all of the resources I have learned about, and continue to practice mindfulness and teach the techniques to others who are interested in them."

Co-created informative brochures for all MHS counselor offices addressing the mental health challenges faced by POC and LGBTQ+ youth — providing accessible resources that recognize intersectional experiences, available to all students with no questions asked.

"I have learned how to approach someone when in crisis. I used to do it by what I thought was right but now I am happy to have tools from professionals about how to go about it. I plan to check up on my friends way more and make sure I am checking in with myself to make sure I am okay."

Designed a 'Coping Room' — a Mental Health Resource Center within MHS — stocked with hotlines, breathing techniques, art therapy, and writing therapy tools, giving students a safe space to step away from the stressors of their day.

"Being radically open about your issues is a great way to destigmatize mental health. The destigmatization starts from within."

Conducted expert interviews, surveyed daycares, schools, and camps on children's mental health practices, and co-authored a research publication with findings and community resources on early childhood mental health in Essex County.

"The Speaker Series showed me that adults are just as committed to these issues as I am. I met people who really believed in me and my project. This summer ranks among the best for me."

Created a community for young women ages 12-17 to discuss mental health and stigma through art — hosting three 90-minute workshops at the Montclair Art Museum integrating mental health awareness with creative expression.

"I am beyond grateful that I could create a project that can help others dive deeper into learning about mental health and ending the stigma that surrounds it."

Created a presentation on mental health awareness for student athletes — featuring professional athlete stories, a guest speaker, and community resources — designed for MHS coaches to show at the start of each season.

"Being part of Jared's Fund is easily one of the best things I have done with my life so far. The more we talk about mental health, the better our mental health will become."

Researched ways to improve mental health resources at Buzz Aldrin Middle School, conducting student interviews and producing video skits for school assembly presentations.

"I always felt great after finishing a video or listening to a speaker. It really felt like I was making a difference in my community."

Conducted expert interviews, surveyed daycares, schools, and camps on children's mental health practices, and co-authored a research publication with findings and community resources on early childhood mental health in Essex County.

"Mental health conditions should be treated with the same care as physical health. This fellowship amplified that importance — I will carry these lessons to be the best mental health warrior I can be."

Co-created a stress-free mental health garden at MHS dedicated to ending the stigma of mental illness — a space with stone-tile paths honoring students who dealt with mental health issues, raised garden beds, and painted rocks with quotes, art, and dedications.

"Going forward I will try my best to use my understanding of mental illness to support people and educate others."

Partnered with the Mindful Awareness Academy for Children (MAAC) as a student ambassador, coordinating mindfulness meetups around Montclair and building a website to promote mindfulness resources and meditation for young people.

"The collaborative spirit and inclusiveness were reflective of the kind of people who want to help and make a positive impact on their community."

Co-created 'Growing Mental Warriors,' a program bringing age-appropriate mental health discussions to middle schoolers — debunking misconceptions, building awareness, and helping young people become as knowledgeable about mental health as physical health.

"I learned that many people share the same struggles, and opening up about them will help rather than hurt. I am so lucky to have these tools and hope to pass them along to my new community at Rutgers."

Co-created 'Growing Mental Warriors,' a program bringing age-appropriate mental health discussions to middle schoolers — debunking misconceptions, building awareness, and helping young people become as knowledgeable about mental health as physical health.

"Jared's Fund made me feel proud of myself for working on change and for becoming a mental health warrior."

Co-created a stress-free mental health garden at MHS dedicated to ending the stigma of mental illness — a space with stone-tile paths honoring students who dealt with mental health issues, raised garden beds, and painted rocks with quotes, art, and dedications.

"This fellowship is the perfect balance of responsibility and friendship. I was able to connect with fellows I've known for years in a way I never had the opportunity to before."

Produced a short documentary on local skaters to show how skateboarding supports mental wellness — drawing viewers into the lives of young people who use their hobbies to cope, and tearing down stigmas around both skating and mental illness.

"The fellowship taught me that people can overcome mental health issues and work towards ending the stigma. It's so important to take care of your mental health and maintain a good mindset."

Co-created a stress-free mental health garden at MHS dedicated to ending the stigma of mental illness — a space with stone-tile paths honoring students who dealt with mental health issues, raised garden beds, and painted rocks with quotes, art, and dedications.

"In just 6 weeks, I feel like I can help my friends, family, or even someone I'm not close with who is struggling. We were never really taught about mental health in school."

Co-created 'Rehumanize,' a weekly podcast giving People of Color space to speak openly about mental health — exploring the implicit messages POC internalize on social media and collecting data to help design more accessible, open environments.

"Our discussions with speakers and other fellows inspired us to produce an even better podcast than planned. At Jared's Fund, everyone always checked in on how we were doing — which I found incredibly helpful throughout the fellowship."

Worked with the MHS guidance department on 'MHS 101' and the Senior Ambassador program connecting seniors with incoming ninth graders. Also created and administered a mental health survey she presented to the principal and guidance department to push for systemic change.

"When I joined the project, I found that our goals all led down the same path: to directly change MHS culture for students with mental illness. This fellowship taught me so much about the mental health system in America."

Worked with the MHS guidance department on 'MHS 101' and the Senior Ambassador program, and independently researched 504 Plans — creating an accessible brochure to help students understand and access disability accommodations in school.

"After conversations with Mr. Bayer and Ms. Testa, 'MHS 101' came into play. We thought of the idea for the MHS Ambassadors — and I created the graphics to promote the Senior Ambassador program."

Created the @end.the.stigma2020 Instagram platform and partnered with the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris to produce Mental Health First Aid training videos covering depression, anxiety, suicide prevention, psychosis, and substance use disorder.

"These videos are now tangible resources that can be shared in high schools for years to come. For that I am very proud."

Partnered with Dr. Denise Rodgers to research the stigma of mental health in communities of color and explore ways to implement mental health services at urban schools, with a focus on her own school, Orange High School.

"Learning that people can be prevented from getting a job — or even a driver's license — because of an illness they didn't ask for is infuriating. But knowing we can use this information to spread awareness is going to make an impact."

Worked with the MHS guidance department to revamp 'MHS 101' — a program to introduce freshmen to mental health resources — and co-created a Senior Ambassador program to directly connect seniors and ninth graders so new students feel less isolated.

"I came in looking to improve how mental health was treated at MHS for freshmen. The Speaker Series showed me how much there is to learn — and those techniques will stay with me."

Co-created 'Rehumanize,' a weekly podcast giving People of Color space to speak openly about mental health — exploring the implicit messages POC internalize on social media and collecting data to help design more accessible, open environments.

"We had the intent from the beginning to create space for BIPOC voices struggling with mental illness. I've since received messages from listeners saying how helpful it is to have a BIPOC-focused resource."

Co-created 'Rehumanize,' a weekly podcast giving People of Color space to speak openly about mental health — exploring the implicit messages POC internalize on social media and collecting data to help design more accessible, open environments.

"I absolutely loved the Speaker Series — I learned from most of them. Jared's Fund did a great job at POC representation, and that accessibility made all the difference."

After losing her boyfriend to suicide in 2020, Maggie searched for support and couldn't find it. Her project focused on building resources for friends and families of those lost to mental illness — including working with MHS administration and establishing a peer support group.

"Things do get better — but it's so different hearing it from people who have truly been through what you're going through. It is so important to know you are not alone."

Worked to destigmatize mental illness and make mental health an open conversation at MHS — organizing a student garden on campus and launching Jared's Club as a lasting community resource.

"Before joining Jared's Fund, mental health awareness felt like an afterthought at MHS. Setting up the club and spreading awareness shifted the atmosphere to something welcoming and positive."

Worked to destigmatize mental illness and make mental health an open conversation at MHS — organizing a student garden on campus and launching Jared's Club as a lasting community resource.

"Mental health felt taboo at MHS and resources were largely unknown to students. The Jared's Fund Club gave us a safe space to keep that conversation going."

Created the @askmontclair Instagram platform to increase representation of mental health and break down stigmatized notions — promoting solidarity for young people who feel alone.

"I wanted to promote a sense of solidarity for those who feel alone while scrolling through Instagram — and to make mental health part of that conversation."

Worked to decrease mental health stigma in middle schools and build meaningful connections between middle and high school students, targeting what she believed to be a crucial developmental age.

"My experience as a Fellow is one I will forever be thankful for. The connections and things I learned I will forever hold onto."

Worked to decrease mental health stigma in middle schools and build meaningful connections between middle and high school students, targeting what she believed to be a crucial developmental age.

"It was fun to brainstorm how we wanted to tackle stigma. We had a lot of ideas — but seeing the final project come together was empowering."

Completed her Fellowship at Wynona's House, the Child Advocacy Center of Essex County, supporting children and families affected by abuse and neglect — including organizing their annual Back to School BBQ.

"The opportunities to meet and work with new people in the field of mental health were very exciting — experiences you don't get every day."

Managed Jared's Fund social media presence, keeping the Facebook account current and helping organize and promote events to grow community awareness of the organization.

"Being a part of Jared's Fund really feels like you are a part of the family. It was one of the most enriching experiences I have ever had."